Government injects Shs 300 million into fish farming in Kiryandongo
Under the UCSATP project, four farmer groups in Kiryandongo will receive government support to establish commercial fish farming enterprises, aimed at building climate resilience.
The government of Uganda has committed over Shs 304 million to support climate-smart aquaculture in the Kiryandongo district. This initiative is being implemented under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project (UCSATP). The funding is distributed among four farmer groups, with each set to receive Shs 76 million to establish commercial fish farming enterprises. The government finances 80 percent of the project cost, while the beneficiaries contribute the remaining 20 percent.
According to Kiryandongo District Production Officer Hassan Byenkya, only organized farmer groups comprising about 15 members, each with a valid National Identity card, qualify for the support. The beneficiary groups include the Karagalya Fish Farmers Group, Kanyogo Fish Farmers Group, Mapendo Fish Farmers Group, and one additional selected group. The government will provide essential production inputs, including fishponds, fingerlings, and fish feeds, while also equipping the beneficiaries with the technical skills required to manage the enterprises sustainably.
District Fisheries Officer Scovia Nyiratunga stated that each fishpond will be stocked with approximately 7,000 tilapia fingerlings, totaling around 35,000 fingerlings for each beneficiary group. The fish are expected to reach market size within six months. Projections suggest that each group could earn about Shs 133 million from the first harvest, which would significantly boost household incomes and livelihoods within the community.
Kiryandongo Principal Accounting Officer Denis Dacan urged the beneficiaries to manage the project responsibly and ensure prudent use of government funds. He directed district technical officers to maintain close supervision of the project implementation and called upon group leaders to uphold transparency and accountability. Kiryandongo LC V Chairperson Nelson Osaga described the initiative as a potential game changer in the district's efforts to reduce poverty and promote climate-smart agriculture, noting that it creates employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
Resident District Commissioner Dan Muganga pledged to closely monitor the project to ensure proper accountability for the invested funds. He also warned residents against illegal activities such as brick-making and cultivation in wetlands, urging communities to utilize wetland areas responsibly for fish farming in line with environmental conservation efforts. Olivia Banyaga, a member of the Karagalya Fish Farmers Group, expressed her optimism that the project would improve household incomes and create vital employment opportunities for the local community.